Our Loss, Heaven’s Gain
By Jeff Herring, Executive Editor
Editor’s Note: This is the second part of this article. The first part can be found in the Jan. 11 issue.
Lena “Marie” Priest, 89 of Batesville, passed away on July 19. She attended Arkansas State College in Jonesboro (now Arkansas State University) and State Teacher’s College in Conway (now the University of Central Arkansas). She and Retired BMA Pastor Forrest Priest were married on June 17, 1953 at Little River Baptist Church. Bro. Priest served as a missionary for the Mount Calvary Association and planted and later served as pastor of the Oak Grove Liberty Baptist Church in Tuckerman. Other pastorates include: White Hall in McCrory, Lakeside in Newport, Westside in Osceola, Meadow Lake in Oil Trough and Sardis Road in Mabelvale. He also served for 11 years as an Arkansas state missionary to plant and later pastor Ramsey Heights in Batesville and served as pastor of Hillcrest in Cave City before retiring from the pastorate in 1997.
Mary Sue (Boone) Johnson, 69 of Greenbrier passed away on July 18. She was a member of Grace in Bee Branch, where her husband of 50 years, David, was pastor.
David G. Johnson, 70 of Greenbrier, passed away July 29, 11 days after Sue, his wife of 50 years, passed away. David loved the Lord, his family, his church, the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing softball and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks. He retired from Arkansas Farm Bureau and was serving as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Bee Branch.
Redmond Keisler, 68 of Sheridan, passed away July 28. His career in television and sound engineering led him to start his own video production company and aided in the spread of the gospel as he traveled to several foreign countries as the videographer for the Baptist Missionary Association. He also spent more than 40 years playing and singing bluegrass music with his brothers, Randy and Rick as The Keisler Brothers, and in recent years as The Redmond Keisler Band. He was passionate about raising funds and donating his time, talent and energy to the church and for the Kids in Bluegrass program to which he provided instruments for kids eager to learn and to help promote bluegrass to a younger generation. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Sheridan.
John Henry Allen, 78 of Bentonville, passed away on Aug. 7. He placed his trust in the Lord at a revival at his church in 1954, at the age of 10. Bro. Allen served as clerk/treasurer for the BMA of the Ozarks for over 40 years, on the board of the BMA Theological Seminary for 10 years, Ministers Resource Services for 10 years and also served many years at his church, First Baptist Church of Cave Springs, in several positions, including deacon, teacher and worship leader. He attended Central Baptist College for two years before transferring to the University of Arkansas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1966. He was a Certified Public Accountant at his private practice for over 40 years and received several public service awards from the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He served as president of the Springdale Lion’s Club and was granted an honorary lifetime membership.
Jack Dempsey Bloxom, 90 of Conway, passed away Aug. 14. After surrendering to the gospel ministry as a high school student, he attended Jacksonville Baptist College, where he met and later married the late Mary Jane (Janie) Strong in 1953. He served as a pastor of churches in both Arkansas and Texas for the majority of six decades, including Central at Conway and Pleasant Valley at Wooster. He also enjoyed years of service with Dale Carnegie, organizing and teaching classes. He later worked for Citizens Fidelity Insurance associated with Roller Funeral Homes, until he retired at the age of 83.
Carol Evelyn Porter Shine, 75 of Jacksonville, Texas passed away on Aug. 14. She was a member of Enterprise Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Texas where her husband of 58 years, BMA pastor and former BMA Seminary Professor James (Jim) Shine is pastor. Her husband also pastored White Hall, McCrory, Ark. and other churches in Texas, including: Mixon, Troup; College Heights, Nacogdoches; and First, New Summerfield. In 2016, she retired after 30 years of service at the BMA Theological Seminary (BMATS), 15 of those as assistant to President Dr. Charley Holmes. She was also a Sunday School teacher, GMA counselor, Bible study teacher and friend in many churches and communities in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas.
Lucille “Ms. E.” Edwards, 83 of Jacksonville, Texas passed away Aug. 12. She was the widow of the late Mart Edwards, who pastored churches in Texas, including Travis Street Baptist Church at Jacksonville and his last pastorate, Frankston Baptist Church at Frankston. She was lovingly known as “Ms. E” during her 20+ years of teaching. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church for many years.
Janet Carol Vail Race, 63 of Fairfield, Texas, passed away on Aug. 18. For 43 years, she was married to Shelby Race, who has served as worship pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfield, Texas for 38 years. She served as an educator for over 33 years until her retirement in 2019.
John Larry Goswick, 72 of Conway passed away Friday, Aug. 19. He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Conway. For 40 years he, along with his late wife, Barbara who served as pianist, served as a worship leader in various churches in Arkansas including: Central, Ashdown; North Hills, Sherwood; Central, Conway; Oak Park, Little Rock; and Springhill, Greenbrier. He also served at Mt. Calvary in Chickasaw, Ala. He was also instrumental in computerizing the mailing list for the Baptist Trumpet and donated many hours to assist this ministry with other computer-related projects. John retired as the director of instructional technology at the Pulaski County Special School District in 2009 and pursued a second master’s degree so he could continue to serve his community in the field of Emergency Management. He worked with both the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and the Arkansas State Police.
James Speer, 78 of Carthage, Texas, passed away Nov. 3. He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he sang in the Churchman Quartet, served in the AWANA program for over 30 years and taught the Adult 3 Sunday School class for 40 years. He received his Associate of Arts degree from Central Baptist College. In 2014, he was honored as CBC’s Distinguished Alumnus of the year, an honor for an individual who has served their community for more than 20 years. He held ministerial positions in youth, music and pastorate in many churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas. He served as the executive director of the Daniels Springs Encampment in Gary, Texas for 36 years. He ended his career working for Carthage Independent School District as the OCS (Occupational Course of Study) program director, again serving the youth of his community.
Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Smith Jones, 60 of Laurel, Miss., passed away Dec. 11. She met her husband of 41 years, BMA Pastor Corbey Jones at Southeastern Baptist College and was the sister of BMA Global Missions President Dr. John David Smith. She loved to play the piano and sing with her family.
Directors’ Prayers and Goals for 2023
Executive Editor’s Note: As in previous years, each departmental director in the BMA of Arkansas and the BMA of America was given an opportunity to share their “2023 Prayers and Goals.” Please join me in praying for each of these ministries this year. ( The first of these were shared in the Jan. 11 issue and the final ones will be shared in the Jan. 25 issue. They are being printed in the order they were received, except that the Trumpet always goes last.)
Central Baptist College
By Terry Kimbrow,
President
I am praying for a miracle! That pretty much sums up my prayers, goals and dreams for 2023. It will soon be one year since we experienced the ransomware attack on our network that shut us down for five weeks. God protected us from the hands of evil players and has proven the truth of Scripture that what man meant for evil, God has used to bring about good. The cyberattack we experienced was designed to leave us with “no hope.” We, however, know the Author of all hope, and we are leaning on and trusting in Him as we move into the new year.
What the cyberattack did leave us is a tremendous, and somewhat overwhelming, financial burden. Our best estimate is that the five-week shutdown, during prime student recruiting season, cost us $1 million in lost revenue. I have shared the need in church services, associational meetings, local civic groups and with numerous individuals. I also wrote about it, devoting four pages of our 70th Anniversary newsletter to a summary of the event. You can read it at cbc.edu/newsletter.
The theme of our chapel this year, in celebration of our 70th year of operation, is Eph. 3:20, “He is Able.” We will not operate from a position of fear because we know, without a doubt, that God is able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Eph. 3:20).
We need your help to meet our 2023 goals. Here are some of my prayers and goals:
• Financial Position — I have been very open and transparent in sharing that this is a burden we cannot carry alone! The response from businesses, individuals and churches has been very encouraging. However, my goal is to get us to the point where we do not have to rely on special offerings and urgent appeals for our everyday operations. We have two main sources of revenue — tuition and contributions. Will you join me in making it a priority in your church to send us your students and continue to support your college?
• Scholarship Gala — It is imperative that we have a successful Scholarship Gala and meet our goal for the event of $800,000. We have budgeted for this income to help us continue to be competitive in our scholarship programs. The 4th annual event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, at 6 p.m. at the Conway Expo Center. The black-tie optional event will be a celebration of “Fearless Faith.” The proceeds from the event will benefit the Central Baptist College Scholarship Fund which supports all institutionally funded scholarships. For more information and updates, go to cbc.edu/events.
• Increased Alumni Involvement — Homecoming is scheduled for Feb. 17-18. If you are a CBC alumnus, please consider contacting your friends and plan to attend. We have alumni all over the world who have benefited from the “CBC Experience.” We want to challenge them to reconnect with their alma mater. I hear people all the time tell me, “My time at CBC changed my life.” It certainly changed my life. We will be looking for new ways to engage those former students.
• New Baseball Field — We recruit 80-plus student-athletes to play baseball at CBC — and without a home field, all our baseball games are played at Burns Park in North Little Rock. We simply can’t continue to recruit effectively without a home field. In terms of facilities, this is my top priority! This, I truly believe, will only become a reality when God places it on the hearts of specific men and women — that just might be you. He has already led one individual to commit $500,000 to this project. Will you pray with me about this great need?
I also asked the four members of my Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to share their goals:
Brooks Walthall,
Vice President
For Enrollment Management
• PACE Program: Increase the number of students served, achieve stability in enrollment and expand our business partnerships and relationships.
• Traditional students: Increase overall student enrollment, achieve stability in enrollment and increase interest in ministry degrees and student enrollment in that area. I would also like for us to expand our relationships with churches, schools and businesses students go to work for after their time at CBC.
• Outreach: Develop and foster a relationship with the state and regional chaplaincy in the military to stimulate military enrollments and build communication.
Chris Mitchell,
Associate Vice President
For Student Services
• Athletics — Introduce student-led devotionals in all athletic programs.
• Dining services — Increase the variety of food offerings, including adding an international food bar to accommodate our students from other countries.
• Student Activities Board — Start small group mentoring for on-campus and off-campus students.
Paul Cherry,
Vice President for Finance
• Attain overall stability in finances.
• See an increase in monthly contributions.
• See an increase in tuition revenue.
Gary McAllister,
Vice President
For Academic Affairs
• Seek accreditation for all business programs from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), which is a global business education accrediting body and the first organization to offer accreditation to all levels of collegiate business educational degree programs from associate to doctoral. The ACBSP evaluates aspects of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials and educational support, and it assesses whether or not business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Strengthen our commitment to military students by partnering with the ROTC and expanding our degree offerings in Military Science.
• Recognize Joyce Garrison, who started the Business Department at Central Baptist College, by naming the department in her honor (This is planned for Homecoming, set for Feb. 18 at 10 a.m.).
Thank You
Your support, financially and in promotion of the college, has been integral in getting CBC to this point, and it is so important to the future of Central Baptist College. It is my great honor to have led this institution for the past 18 years. Your prayers, letters, notes, e-mails, texts, etc. mean so much! I anticipate another year filled with blessings. I am praying and trusting God for miracles that will allow CBC to do big things for Him, and I invite you to join me!
BMAA Global Missions
By Dr. John David Smith
President
In Exodus 19, Moses and the people of God are camped at the base of Mt. Sinai, a mere three months removed from their miraculous departure from Egyptian captivity. In this ominous setting, God offered one of the greatest missionary mandates in all the Bible. His sequence for informing and inspiring them about their role in His mission is as follows: past blessings, future purpose and present responsibilities. He stated in verse 4 (NKJV), “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” It was, indeed, a miraculous deliverance. The future purpose of Israel is spelled out in the missionary mandate that includes the language “all people” and “all the earth.” In the electing of Israel, God had a particular people who would be instruments of His universal mission. Election is never to privilege; it is always to purpose, and more precisely, a missionary purpose! In the present, they were to be priestly and holy (v. 6). In order to fulfill our missionary purpose, we have to be priestly in that we connect people to God, and we have to be holy... set apart for our God-given purpose.
The future purpose of Israel as given in Exodus 19 — to make God’s name known to the nations — is now the never-ending mission of every Christ-centered church. With this in mind, we turn our attention to the goals and dreams for BMA Global Missions in 2023. BMA Global Missions has always been about church planting. We are church planters! Through the collective efforts of BMA churches through the years, we have reached a number of just under 2,000 established churches worldwide. Our churches support almost 400 missionaries in 70 countries. Presently, we are actively partnering to help plant over 350 new churches around the world. (That does not include the 2,000 churches mentioned above.)
January and February of each year are filled with all things related to World Missions Day (WMD) on the last Sunday of February. (This year, it is Sunday, Feb. 26.) WMD is an opportunity for our churches to worship a missionary God, be reminded of our role in that mission and commit to intentional action at home and abroad. This year’s theme is CO:MISSIONED. We are CO:MISSIONED in two ways:
• First, we are simply embracing the mission of Jesus to give continuation in the mission He started.
• Second, we lock arms with like-minded churches in order to obey and fulfill the mission.
In the overall BMA Global Missions picture, we are always praying that we will continue to see the maturation of the churches and fields around the world. In many of the mission efforts that were started years ago, we are now seeing exponential growth as they have transitioned from receiving missionaries to sending them, from merely participating in the multiplication process to driving it. This past year we have partnered with dozens of new church plants in countries like India, Colombia, Ecuador, Cape Verde, Jordan, Lebanon, Nicaragua, Chile and many other places.
We have plans to either initiate ministry or shore up partnerships in 2023 in countries such as Southern Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Guinea Bissau and others.
I am thankful for all our BMA Global Missions team members in the office and around the world. Of course, it begins with all our missionaries and church planters. I am thankful for Larry Barker and John Meriweather in Missions leadership. I am thankful for our regional coordinators who help take care of missionaries, cast vision, train and encourage our missionary families in their respective regions of the world. Our office staff is committed and is an essential part of what we do globally. We are blessed with many great and dedicated leaders. Another goal for the coming year is to continue to develop our leadership structure so we may be as fruitful as possible.
Vice President for Church Strategy and Training Larry Barker offered some bullet points for his goals and dreams for 2023:
• To see every BMA church engaged in the process of starting a new church.
• To see every BMA church prayerfully consider the P5 multiplication process to pray, prepare, partner, plant and parent.
• To see a 6% annual increase in new churches!
• To see our churches recommit to why we exist — to seek and to save the lost through the presentation of the gospel.
• To plant new churches wherein 50% of the growth is conversion growth (new believers).
• To see all our churches recommit to evangelism and to seek growing our churches by reaching and discipling the lost.
• To see more of our churches commit to training their membership in evangelism, discipleship and multiplication.
At BMA Global Missions, we are always guided by the principles of God’s Word. Our mission is to fulfill God’s mission by sending and partnering to share God’s story, make disciple makers and start churches that multiply among the nations. Our vision is to see every BMA partner church around the world engaged in the process of starting a church. May God allow us to see many more churches planted in 2023 as the gospel is proclaimed and as believers are discipled and gathered into local churches that will repeat the process until Jesus comes. God bless you and thank you for your partnership with BMA Global Missions!
Arkansas Youth Department
By Dan Carson,
Director
I have one dream for 2023 and the BMA of Arkansas Youth Department. It is my prayer that we will see at least 10 more of our churches join in supporting the Youth Department and our efforts to assist those seeking to impact the next generation for Jesus. Currently, we have 10-12 out of the 331 churches of the BMA of Arkansas that support our work. We could do many more things if we had the resources. Our energy is currently focused on providing a podcast (studentministrymatters.podbean.com), coaching when requested and an annual retreat for student ministry workers.
I dream of being able to provide new youth workers with great resources and training throughout the year. As our support increases, that dream and others can become reality. Until then, we will keep serving and making the most of generous churches giving to our work.
If you would like to join us in this effort, please reach out to me at info@StudentMinistryMatters.com or (479) 442-4634.
MOVING with Ministers and Staff
This is only a news column, and the publishing of a person’s availability should not be considered a recommendation by the Trumpet. To view previous listings from this
column, visit our website at
www.BaptistTrumpet.com.
First Baptist Church of Omen, Texas is seeking a pastor. Resumes may be sent to firstbaptistchurchomen@gmail.com or P.O. Box 508, Arp, Texas 75750. If available, please include video or audio clips of your recordings.
Keltys First Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas is seeking a pastor of youth and missions. Resumes, including references, along with sermon samples, may be sent to dave@keltys.org. For more information and a complete job description, visit keltys.org/youthpastor.
In This Issue
40 Days of Unceasing Prayer (pg. 3)
Chaplain Guthrie Receives Medal (pg. 6)
Church-Integrated Student Ministry (pg. 2)
End Times: Nature of Prophecy (pg. 6)
Spotlight on Missions (pg. 5)
2022: A Year in Review
By Diane Spriggs, Editor Emeritus
Editor’s Note: This is the second part of this article. The first part can be found in the Jan. 11 issue.
July
• SOAR 2022 — The SOAR 2022 (July 3-5) theme was ‘cALLed.’ As you can see, ‘ALL’ was capitalized, meaning we are all called — called to repent and receive Jesus, called to serve and even called to ministry,” said Conferences Manager Nick Jacobsen in the July 13 issue of the Trumpet. Bobby Tucker, who started SOAR 32 years ago, was also in attendance. President Terry Kimbrow announced the following winners of $10,000 scholarships to Central Baptist College: Sady Long and Joshua Ford of Arkansas and Cayce Harper of Oklahoma. SOAR 2023 will be held at the Gaylord Texan on July 3-5.
• New State Missionary — A new missionary was elected at the July 14 called meeting of the Arkansas Missionary Committee. Jake & Amanda McCandless and their children, Addison and Andrea “will be starting on the field on Aug. 1, and will be working in the Pea Ridge Community,” said State Missions Executive Director Paul White. “For many years, Retired Missionary Larry Morrison and I have prayed for God to raise up someone with a burden for that area. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer.”
August
• CBC Student Discount Approved — Central Baptist College President Terry Kimbrow announced in the Aug. 10 Baptist Trumpet that “a new student discount has been approved for the Fall 2022 semester of the PACE (Professional Adult College Education) program. CBC is currently celebrating a huge milestone. It’s been almost 70 years since the first day of class on Sept. 15, 1952. To celebrate this anniversary, CBC has announced a first-time, $1,400 scholarship for new PACE students. Classes are offered in-class, online or in a hybrid option.”
• Former BMA Church Burns — In 2021, Oak Grove Baptist Church in North Little Rock voted to disband after 55 years and donated their facilities to the non-profit arm of Graves Memorial Baptist Church. The new ministry was called “The Grove: A Center for Caring and Community.” In the early morning hours of Aug. 16, the facility burned to the ground, as reported in the Aug. 24 Trumpet. However, a new site was located for the ministry, and it will continue.
September
• CBC Marks 70 Years — On Sept. 15, 1952, Central Baptist College (CBC) opened its doors for the first time. On Sept. 15, 2022, CBC welcomed over 300 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends for a 70th Anniversary Celebration. The day’s festivities were part of a year-long celebration surrounding the college’s anniversary.
October
CBC Cyber Attack — Although it happened Jan. 27, for security reasons, CBC President Terry Kimbrow was unable to announce a Ransomware Attack on the college until the Oct. 12 issue of the Trumpet. Although no ransom was paid, the attack resulted in an unprecedented loss of an estimated $1 million in revenue since it caused “an abrupt halt for five weeks during the prime student recruiting period for all 2022-23 student recruiting, resulting in a sharp decline in enrollment.”
• Arkansas Chaplain Promoted — In the Oct. 19 issue, it was reported that BMA of America Chaplain Jeremy Miller had been promoted to the rank of colonel within the Arkansas Army National Guard. His promotion makes him the highest-ranking Army chaplain within the Arkansas National Guard and elevates him to the Arkansas Joint Forces Headquarters Chaplain.
November
• BMA of Arkansas Insert — The Nov. 2 issue featured a four-page “BMA of Arkansas Insert,” that included “stories of transformation from the ministries of the BMA of Arkansas that go beyond the usual reports that appear in each issue of the Baptist Trumpet.” BMA of Arkansas Missions, Central Baptist College and Student Ministry Matters (Youth Department) shared stories about transformed lives and the Lord’s blessings on the various ministries.
• BMA Of Arkansas Meets — The 73rd annual BMA of Arkansas meeting was held Nov. 3-4 at Central Baptist College. The theme, chosen by President Michael Battenfield, was “Healthy Churches, Healthy Association, for the Glory of God” based on Eph. 3:14-21. The final Enrollment Committee report indicated there were 110 messengers enrolled, with 94 churches represented at the meeting (60 by messenger and 34 by letter only) with 15 visitors for a total of 125 registered in attendance. Cain Baptist Church of Mountainburg, a former BMA of Arkansas mission, petitioned for membership in the state association and was welcomed. (The Nov. 9 issue of the Trumpet was expanded to 12 pages to give full coverage to the meeting and reports of the various departments.)
• Thompsons Mark 60 Years — Jim & Carolyn Thompson were honored for 60 years of active ministry at a special service Nov. 12 at Big Creek Valley Baptist Church in Jonesboro, where they are members. He surrendered to the ministry July 8, 1962, and his pastorates include Pleasant Grove in Annieville, Center Grove in Cord and Center Hill in Jonesboro.
• Total Access Trumpet — In the Nov. 16 issue, Baptist Trumpet Executive Editor Jeff Herring explained that, although a rate increase was instituted at this year’s state meeting, the paper is “still a bargain” because “one price gives you access to… the printed weekly paper, the digital e-Trumpet, the content-filled website and the Trumpet archives.
December
• CBC Graduate Leads Republican Party of Ark. — On Dec. 3, Cody Hiland, former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, was elected chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas. He attended Central Baptist College from 1990 through 1992, before receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Arkansas and his Juris Doctorate from the William H. Bowen School of Law in Little Rock.
• MRS Financial Wellness Class — The first, quarterly BMAA Financial Education class hosted by Michael Spencer from Ronald Blue Trust, the new financial advising partner for Minister Resource Services, was held Dec. 14 via Zoom Meeting. “Part of this partnership is to provide financial education to our clients,” said MRS Executive Director Dr. Steve Crawley.
CO:MISSIONED in North America — Reaching Those Next Door
By Larry Barker, Regional Director for North America and Vice President of Church Strategy and Training • BMA Global Missions
God is a missionary God and has CO:MISSIONED us to carry out His mission. Everything we do must be motivated by the mission in which we are allowed to have a part. Our job is to mobilize believers, churches, missionaries and church planters to advance God’s kingdom. For this mobilization to occur, the Great Commission must be placed and remain in the driver’s seat of our hearts and the centerpiece of our churches.
Everything we do as believers, churches and associations must center on planting churches that make disciples. God ordained the church (Eph. 3:10) as His chosen way to accomplish His mission. CO:MISSIONED means we join God‘s team on His missionary cause. It is not your church that has a mission to carry out but rather that the mission of God has your church to carry out His mission. Churches plant churches!
CO:MISSIONED means partnering with one another in reaching the people He has placed here in North America. We now have church plants in seven languages — English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Urdu, Garifuna and French. Yes, we are CO:MISSIONED to go to the ends of the earth, but also to reach those right next door.
Driven by this commission, we are also reaching Hispanic populations in Dallas, Texas (Omar and Anna Pina); St. Louis, Mo. (Juan and Hannah Fernandez); and Vidalia, La. (Angel and Zorismal Colón). With the Great Commission in the driver’s seat, we have just approved partnerships with David and Triana Nava in the greater Orlando, Fla., area and Edixon and Belkys Pina in Phoenix, Ariz.
One of the newest partners in our commission is Cherry and Terma Gamboa, who are planting a Garifuna church in the Bronx, NY. They are third-generation disciples from the ministry of David and Shelley Dickson when they were missionaries in Honduras. Elvis and Wendy Garcia are doing a wonderful job in coordinating all our Hispanic works.
Michel and Ruth Poirier are busy working in the French-speaking world of Quebec, Canada, having planted three churches and planning for more with their associates Michael and Josie Barton. They also minister in Haiti and are planning leadership training in several French-speaking countries like Cameroon and Ivory Coast. The potential is unlimited because of the God we serve.
CO:MISSIONED to reach every tribe, people, language and nation includes Jamshad and Anila Hadyat, who are ministering to people from Pakistan who speak Erdu in the greater Atlanta, Ga., area. It also includes Boris Lebedev, who has planted multiple Russian-speaking churches in Florida and now in the greater Atlanta area. The challenges are many, but when we embrace our responsibility in this CO:MISSION partnership with God, every struggle and trial is worth it.
Obeying our commission has enabled us to plant English-speaking churches in the following American cities:
• Oklahoma City, Okla. (Grace Harbor)
• Plano, Ill. (Jacob’s Well)
• Southaven, Miss. (Central)
• Cumming, Ga. (StonePoint)
• Pearl River, La. (The Crossing)
• Nixa, Mo. (Refuge)
• Smithville, Mo. (North Lake)
• Richland, Wash. (The Summit).
There is also a Russian-speaking church in Orlando, Fla. and an Arabic-speaking church in Dallas, Texas.
We presently have planters who have been CO:MISSIONED in Minneapolis, Minn. (Michael and Laura Strong) and Morgan, Utah (Gavin and Haley Roberts). CO:MISSIONED means we are their partners in prayer, encouragement and financial support. We can also provide more direct hands-on help through mission trips, phone calls, emails, cards and building commission relationships!
Presently, we are talking to potential church planters in Wyoming and Canada and believe we will soon have the opportunity to partner with two more Garifuna works. There are several more Hispanic planters who are ready and willing to go if we come alongside them in their calling. Our prayer is that God allows us to fulfill this commission in 12 to 15 languages in the next 5 years!
Churches plant churches, and an association of churches can partner to carry out the Great Commission, then live out and make the CO:MISSION a reality!